Chatter that Matters

This is a true-life Ted Lasso story, taped in front of a live audience at the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers Conference. My guests' journey extends beyond athletic supremacy to becoming a role model for youth, an entrepreneur, and a sought-after keynote speaker. Jay DeMerit shares his journey from being overlooked in the MLS Draft to making his way to England and then playing his way to Premier League stardom.  Jay also earned a place on America's World Cup Team, playing every minute in the South African World Cup and becoming the Vancouver Whitecaps' Captain. Jay emphasized the significance of perseverance and self-actualization. Discover how DeMerit's unique approach to leadership and focus on holistic development helped shape his career and inspire future generations. Gain insights into the pressures of youth sports and the importance of dreaming big while taking small steps. I close the show talking to Sam Effah, one of the fastest Canadian Sprinters ever, and who today is one of the stewards of RBC's Training Ground, on what it takes to dream and do.   To learn  about Jay DeMerit's entrepreneurial venture: RiseXShine https://www.risexshine.com To book Jay as a speaker:  https://speakerscanada.com To learn more about RBC Training Ground: https://www.rbctrainingground.ca

Frank Palmer is a character of immense character. Frank is a true icon, creative genius, thought leader, visionary and entrepreneur.  Frank is being featured as part of The Legends Journey, Lessons in Leadership series. A collaboration between Chatter that Matters and the American Marketing Association's Toronto Chapter. In this series, we interview inductees from Canada's Marketing Hall of Legends. To date, I have chatted with Arlene Dickinson, Joe Mimran, Angus Reid, Miles Nadal, Jeanne Beker and, coming soon, Malcolm Gladwell. In this episode, Frank Palmer shares invaluable insights from his 50-year career. From practical jokes to profound business and brand strategies, Frank's stories encapsulate the essence of a life rich with creativity, daring and extraordinary entrepreneurial prowess. Frank talks about personal integrity in business, the art of maintaining top talent, and the evolution of advertising in the face of emerging technologies like AI. Wherever you are in your career, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and frankness on surviving and thriving in our fast-paced world. 00:00 - Introduction to Frank Palmer 05:20 - Lessons from business and maintaining integrity 15:45 - Strategies for retaining top talent 25:30 - The role of humour: Pranks and workplace culture 35:10 - Overcoming industry challenges and client relationships 45:50 - The impact of COVID-19 on the advertising world 55:15 - Frank Palmer's views on AI in creativity 1:05:00 - Reflections on mentorship and the future of advertising 1:15:00 - Closing thoughts and Frank's offer to chat again

Sometimes, the most gripping tales are not those of fiction. They're not from a bookshelf or a TV screen. They're real-life stories that unfold around us. Stories that remind us of the power of the human spirit. Today on Chatter That Matters, we share the indomitable spirit of Stacey Curtis, who survived a plane crash, cancer that roared through her body and where she was given only a few years to live.  I wish I could bottle Stacey's outlook on life and her positivity.  Here are two quotes from the show. The first was about the plane crash and what it was like to be one of the survivors, alongside her partner Marissa and her dog Emma.  "In that moment, everything changed, yet we found the strength we never knew we had," The second quote after discussing losing her brother and dealing with horrific cancer. "Despite everything, I've found reasons to laugh and live fully every single day,"  To add important context to why some refuse to surrender, I invited Amy Deacon, the founder and CEO of Toronto Wellness Counselling, to return to the show.  I also ask her about those who have near death experiences, change their approach, even appreciation for life.

Did you ever dream of building something with your best friend?  Discover the inspiring story of April Brown and Sarah Sklash, who quit their jobs and purchased a roadside motel in Prince Edward County.   With hard work, dedication, and little experience, they transformed the dingy motel into a beautiful space reflecting life's sunshine and simple pleasures. Their entrepreneurial adventures caught the attention of Netflix, which produced Motel Makeover, a show about their next motel venture in Sauble Beach. Today, The June Motel boasts three locations, including their latest project, the June in Beaver Valley, a cosy 8 room outpost, nestled in nature. This story is about following your heart and taking risks, believing in yourself and your vision, and on your terms. Join us as we learn how "The June" came to be, the inspiration behind its iconic pink doors, and why chasing dreams matters.   I am thrilled to introduce a new sponsor for Chatter that Matters. Mark Rolnick, EVP, Head of GreenShield Administration, then joins the show to talk about why small businesses matter and why they have launched GreenShield for Small Business to help small business owners promote employee well-being. A flexible benefit solution makes it easier to attract top talent so that small business owners spend more time doing what they do best - building a healthy business. To book a stay at the June Motel. https://thejunemotel.com To find out more about GreenShield for Small Business. Greenshield.ca/chatterthatmatters

Today, I welcome Jeanne Beker, a global icon and an inductee into the Marketing Hall of Legends. Jeanne is also a dear friend and a trailblazer who has found success as a world-renowned fashion journalist, entrepreneur, author, keynote speaker, and, above all, a wonderful mom. At age 72, Jeanne continues to fashion her destiny with passion, creativity and talent. In this candid 'chat to me about anything' session, Jeanne shares many beautiful stories, life lessons we can all benefit from, and how, instead of burying the news she had breast cancer, she used her platform to raise awareness and to help raise much-needed funds to tackle the disease. Here is to the one and only Jeanne Beker. To pre-order Jeanne's new book, Heart on My Sleeve. https://www.jeannebeker.com The Leader's Journey: Lessons in Leadership is a collaboration between Chatter that Matters and the American Marketing Association Toronto Chapter. I interviewed legends who had been inducted into the Marketing Hall of Legends. A big shout out to Miles Nadal for making all this possible. To find out more about the Marketing Hall of Legends, https://ama-toronto.com/awards/legends-journey/

This will define our country in the future: dreamers and doers who are taking on our most significant problems and then exporting their ideas and technology around the world. For my Earths Day Show, I chatted with Phil De Luna.  At age 32, he is among the most brilliant people I have ever interviewed. Phil has a great personality, radiates passion, and has a powerful connection to the human race. Phil makes me feel optimistic about science's role in battling climate change.   I know you will enjoy his story, which also reflects the tapestry of Canada. A family of newcomers who came to Canada to improve their circumstances and a son who honours their sacrifice by making a positive dent in one of humanity's biggest problems. Phil offers his five-step plan for saving our planet. He also discusses the carbon tax and offers ideas for better serving our planet and the Canadian economy. I also included an interview with John Stackhouse, SVP of RBC. John is a nationally bestselling author and one of Canada's leading voices on innovation and economic disruption. He talks about the RBC Climate Action Institute.     To learn more about Phil De Luna's company, Deep Sky: https://www.deepskyclimate.com To learn more about the RBC Climate Action Institute:  https://www.rbc.com/climate-action-institute/index.html

'I’m not making records; I’m making history. Today, my man Tony and I made history with this interview." Maestro Fresh Wes. Maestro Fresh We is credited as the "Godfather of Canadian Hip Hop, " his debut album, Symphony in Effect, was a certified platinum album. In 2023, Maestro Fresh Wes became the first hip-hop artist inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. His song Let Your Backbone Slide" is the first rap song inducted into the Canadian Songwriters' Hall of Fame. What did Drake have to say about Maestro Fresh Wes and his influence on him and Canadian music?  What advice did Chuck D of Public Enemy offer?  You'll have to listen to find out. ‘Fresh’ is part of Wes Williams' stage name, and Fresh is how I would describe his perspective and attitude. This story has so many beats. You will take away so much from how Wes approaches life and career. I consider this essential listening for young people as they must diversify and stay relevant throughout their careers. Stay tuned to the show's end when Mark Beckles, the Vice President of Social Impact and Innovation, returns to Chatter that Matters to discuss First Up by RBC X Music and RBC Future Launch. This is a testament to the role organizations can play in helping Canadian youth find and pursue their path in life.   To connect with Maestro Fresh Wes: http://maestrofreshwes.net First Up with RBCX Music: https://www.rbc.com/dms/enterprise/music/first-up.html RBC Future Launch: https://www.rbc.com/en/future-launch/

On my watch, we went from slides to video, from film to digital, a handful of channels to thousands, tens of millions of websites, analog to wireless, and a stolen milk carton container for our albums to three million songs in my pocket.The most critical change was that humans went from being captive consumers of content to nomadic, with an appetite to create, validate, and yield power. And tomorrow, on my watch - AI. I am working with three different programs and am mesmerized by how they can expand my creative capacity. These three lessons guided me through so much change, and each time made me a better marketer, successful at winning business, gave me the confidence to take risks as an entrepreneur, and, I hope, a better leader and person. These lessons are universal and easy to learn and apply. They will allow you to harness AI to your advantage versus being crushed in the coming wake. If you have six minutes, you can hear them here. If you like them, share them with others. They will make us a better human race by focusing on what matters most to the people who matter most to you. Pura Vida

"I moved 17 times in my first 18 years, faced abuse and adversity, but it fueled my drive to prove others wrong and achieve success against all odds." Shane Howard is an extraordinary storyteller who shares his inspirational and transformative journey, overcoming a tumultuous upbringing to becoming a mentor and global connector. Shane is a testament to the resilience and drive that can emerge from the "School of Hard Knocks."  Shane's insights offer hope and inspiration to those grappling with their place in this world, or choosing not to toe societies perceived perfect line.   To find out more about RBC’s Future Launch:  https://www.rbc.com/en/future-launch/

Healing is Believing. I have been sharing inspiring human journeys for four years, but none like Tracy L Clark. For most of her life, Tracy has dealt with trauma. Debilitating illnesses, several near-death experiences, being kidnapped at gunpoint, an abusive relationship and then being a single mom caring for her children when illness once again threatened her life. Listen to the first few minutes of the episode; it is riveting. Tracy reads from her book, God, Where Are You, It's Me. After hearing what she has to say about the life she had to endure, you will understand the title. What flows from there is a stream of positivity and possibility that will light up your day, even your path in life.  Like a phoenix rising from its ashes, Tracy transformed her life, fighting against medical diagnoses and insurance companies refusing treatment. Tracy chose not to heal but to survive and thrive. This choice shaped Tracy's character today—resilient, strong, and fiercely determined. From her trauma came transformation, transcendence, and, with every heartbeat, an opportunity for her to reclaim her health and her rebirth as an entrepreneur and now a healer. Tracy has been featured on ABC, FOX, NBC, and CBS. Her work is so profound and efficacious that the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) crowned her the Top Energy Healer of the Year in 2024. Shelagh McGrogan, the Director of Content for RBC, first offers her thoughts on Tracy's journey and then answers my question about the difference between branding a person, versus a product or service.   To connect with Tracy: https://www.tracylclark.com/

I occasionally break the format and post a Chatter That Matters podcast on a Monday about something important to all of us. The goal is to challenge the status quo with innovative ideas to improve our lives and livelihoods.  In today's episode, I want to discuss the growing unaffordability crisis and the problems that manifest when individuals and many others do not have enough. They cannot afford necessities—food, shelter, and transportation. If this continues, it will undermine much of what we know and value in society.  Our elected officials must prioritize affordability, but there are vastly opposing views on how to do so.  In this four-minute podcast, I'll share my thoughts on the issue, ask you four essential questions to consider, and then offer my recommendation.  If you agree, could you share so that our whispers can become a roar?

Are you ready to work smarter and shorter? Newcomers Grace Tallon and Joe O'Connor, co-founders of Work Time Reduction, join Tony Chapman to discuss the transformative idea of a four-day workweek and their beliefs about why it is good for individuals, families, corporations, and society. We also learn more about Joe and Grace's back story, which takes us back to Ireland and how each became an advocate for positive change. Tony closes the show by sharing his thoughts on why and how Immigration matters.   To connect with Joe and Grace at Work Time Reduction: https://worktimereduction.com To learn more about the New Comer Advantage:  https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/enterprise/newcomers/offers.html Join the WORK TIME REDUCTION team live in TORONTO on March 21st to learn from shorter work week leaders and pioneers about the journey to working less, performing better and living more.    Chatter That Matters listeners please use this exclusive complimentary ticket code: SHORTER   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/work-time-reduction-live-in-toronto-work-less-and-get-more-done-tickets-814529388327 Women 4 Work Time Reduction supports women in navigating the journey to shorter work weeks and championing reduced work time without compromising their professional and personal goals. Join our free information webinar on March 27th to learn about our mission and how you can get involved.   Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-4-work-time-reduction-launch-tickets-836523232507?aff=oddtdtcreator

I am hosting a series titled The Legends Journey, featuring interviews with individuals inducted into Canada's Marketing Hall of Legends. In this episode, I chat with Miles Nadal. I have known Miles for over twenty years, and he has always dared to dream and do so with extraordinary entrepreneurial capability, charisma, and conviction.  Miles's journey began with a camera at summer camp, and from there, he built several extraordinary businesses with no signs of slowing down. What I admire most about Miles extends beyond his entrepreneurial prowess to his curiosity and kindness. Miles Nada's journey is an incredible 'rags to riches' story marked by many words of inspiration and wisdom.   To connect with The American Marketing Association - Toronto Chapter: https://ama-toronto.com

My International Women's Day Special begins with honouring my Mother before introducing my guest, Alana Stott. I ask Alana to read the opening pages from her gripping memoir, She Who Dares. Her book begins when she answers the phone. Her husband, Dean Stott, a former Special Operations soldier, is on the other line, somewhere in the Middle East, in the middle of a civil war.   "The gunfire was getting louder and louder. I heard the phone drop to the ground as loud bangs pierced my ears. The sound penetrated my ears so much that I had to pull it away to stop my eardrums from exploding. These bangs were coming directly beside the phone. Is he being fired upon, or is Dean the one firing?   Another loud bang came as I sat on the kitchen floor, this time much closer to me. The kitchen door flew open, and my 3-year-old said, " Mommy, I'm hungry."   One moment in the life of an extraordinary woman who makes it count. Alana overcame a tragic childhood to become an acclaimed entrepreneur, speaker, fundraiser, philanthropist, and author. King Charles awarded Alana an MBE, a Member of the Most Excellent Order, for her work preventing human trafficking and slavery. I close my International Women's Day show with an interview I did last year with Andrea C Barrack. I admire her journey and all she is doing to create a better world. A standing ovation to every woman on this planet and to my Mom in Heaven. Pura Vida   To reach Alana Stott: https://alanastott.com/ To learn more about RBC's purpose framework: https://www.rbc.com/newsroom/article/?title=rbc-mobilizes-to-help-address-three-of-societys-biggest-challenges

Many guests have joined me to openly talk about their battles with their mental health, but not quite like my guest this week, Nancy Xia. Nancy brings us to the raw realities of her journey – from battling childhood anxiety to grappling with clinical depression, culminating, at age eighteen, in her leap from her eighth-floor balcony as her father watched helpless and in shock. Miraculously, Nancy survives but breaks her spine and loses the use of her legs. The power comes from her descriptions of how she feels, experiences the world, what she thinks of herself, and her friends and family. I now understand how dark the world can get and why suicide becomes the light at the end of the tunnel. Nancy defied fate and in doing so a new path was lit.  She listened to her healthcare experts, and found herself on a transformative healing path.  Twenty years after her suicide attempt Nancy is happy, describes her life as joyful, her religion is her compass and all have led her to what she believes is her true purpose. To help those who suffer, and those who suffer along side them. This emotional and heartwarming episode is a testament to the journey from darkness to light and a heartfelt tribute to our unsung healthcare heroes. And then stay for Amy Deacon, the CEO of Toronto Wellness. I am sure there are people in your life who struggle with their mental wellbeing, Amy gives her reasons why, and why our younger generation is most at risk.

The first time B K Sethi came into my life was in 2023. B K wrote to me and said he loved listening to me on the radio and my podcasts. He then asked if we could have coffee. I had no idea I was meeting with one of our country's great entrepreneurs.  I took this picture, and you can see and feel it in his face and smile; B K is a beautiful soul. B K joins me this week to share his inspiring story. From the streets of 1940s India, where, at age four, he sold lemons to help his family survive, to the ever-growing metropolis of Toronto, this is the sweeping story of B K Sethi's rise to success as Canada's international foods magnate. The stories B K shares are priceless, the people he rubs shoulders with are the who's who of the grocery industry, and the lessons he imparts are worthy. Discuss them at the family table, with teachers in high schools, and in the many corridors of academia and business. Immigration is in the news, so I closed the show with Amit Brahme,  Head, Newcomer & Cultural Client segment at RBC, to provide context. We talk about the crucial role immigrants like B K play in helping us create a new economy and build a better country if we give them a newcomer advantage.   To buy B K's book, Meet BK in the Ethnic Aisle: https://www.amazon.com/Meet-BK-Ethnic-Food-Aisle/dp/1738978214   To learn more about RBC's Newcomer Advantage program. EN: http://www.rbc.com/newcomeradvantage FR: http://www.rbc.com/privilegeplus

Woman in Philanthropy. It's Nonprofit Appreciation Week, and I wanted to honour WoodGreen Community Services. WoodGreen ensures that the UNMET needs of thousands of Canadians are MET every year.   In this special edition of Chatter That Matters, taped live at the Toronto Hun Club, I chatted with three remarkable women who are Philanthropy Trailblazers. I learned that Charity focuses on eliminating suffering. In contrast, Philanthropy focuses on eliminating the problem. I also learned that the world of Philanthropy is changing. There's more emphasis on causes like gender equality and sustainable development than before. A more diverse, representative range of voices is influencing decision-making. Women are among the key drivers.   Shraddha Kothari Walker talks about why Philanthropy isn't just about giving back. It's about connecting and building a community that uplifts everyone – a cycle of kindness that must be passed on to the next generation.   Beth Wilson, FCPA, FCA, ICD.D shatters the glass ceilings in Philanthropy by recognizing women's strength in driving impactful and bold change in our communities.   Leah den Bok shares authentic stories of those who experience homelessness to dismantle the stereotypes and ignite a collective responsibility to act.   It is also a fantastic show to share and discuss with our younger generation.

Every second Monday, I break the format by bringing out Chatters - a snackable podcast that is under five minutes in length. I share my insight on the status quo and ideas to bring about positive and substantive change.  In this episode, I share a story at the grocery store that led me to my insight - smartphones and technology are making us less financially literate. I have no empirical evidence, but many people are losing their ability to do even simple math. With a math deficiency, how can someone make critical financial decisions? How can you decipher if that 'too good to be true' offer is a good deal or one that manifests into long-term pain? How can you be an informed voter and understand the implications of what is being promised. Let me know what you think of these Chatters and other topics we should explore to improve the status quo.   FYI: If you are interested, here are four links to sites offering free value-added content on improving your financial well-being. RBC My Money Matters -700 hundred articles, easy to navigate, and will take you from debt relief to investing and every step in between:  https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/en-ca/my-money-matters/ RBC Mydoh - I love this app, my brother-in-law swears by it.  It is a fantastic way for parents to teach their kids and teens about money, including how work for their allowance. https://www.mydoh.ca McGill Personal Finance Essentials is a free, online personal finance course offered in English and French, four times per year. Taught by professors from McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management, the course is open to everyone! https://www.mcgill.ca/desautels/programs/mcgill-personal-finance-essentials And someone I have a ton of respect for is Kim Moody.  He has a newsletter that I read every week.   https://kimgcmoody.com/kim-g-c-moodys-musings-1-1-1-newsletter-for-august-23-2023/

Dr. Jean Marmoreo shares excerpts from her book The Last Doctor. Lessons in Living from the Front Lines of Medical Assistance in Dying  Dr. Jean Marmoreo believes the best care a health professional can provide is to honour a patient's life and to end it on the patient's terms. For 45 years Dr. Jean Marmoreo was a family physician practising in downtown Toronto, and in 2016 became one of Canada’s first practitioners of MAiD, to provide Medical Assistance in Dying.  Dr. Marmoreo shares powerful patient stories and her journey into caregiving and end-of-life decision-making.  Leanne Kaufman, the President and CEO of RBC Royal Trust, returns to the show, and we have an important discussion on end-of-life financial matters.

Today's episode of Chatter That Matters is a live taping, which I have always loved because we can feed off the audience's energy. My guest is Cam Inglis, the founder of Marble Slab Creamery Canada. Cam is an inspiring entrepreneur who shares his journey from dreaming of playing in the NHL to real estate before choosing the path of an entrepreneur. During the show, we'll cover the daily challenges of running a franchise business and the reality that everything you know turns upside down when a pandemic closes your doors or one of Canada's biggest restaurant chains overnight becomes a significant competitor. We also learn why communication and transparency matter, especially during tough times.  To provide more context, we'll have two additional guests. The first is Amarjot Bhatthal, an incredible entrepreneur who owns five Marble Slab franchises with her mother. I look forward to sharing their whole story on the show one day. Our second guest is Graeme Green, Director of Franchise Markets at RBC, who will discuss the attributes of an exceptional franchisor and a great franchisee. A great episode and a treasure trove of valuable insights and lessons await.